CSLC Bill Positions
Request for CSLC Position on State Legislation
(2023 Session)
Request must be made by a CSLC member & for a bill that has been introduced.
You can download the Bill Position Form here.
Bill Number:
Bill Title:
Sponsors:
Desired Position: _____________ Support _____ Oppose _____
Person/Organization making the request:
This is our policy for bill endorsement/opposition:
- Members request CSLC to endorse/oppose one week.
- The following week the request is discussed. Requesting member briefly states why CSLC should support or oppose. Other members are invited to briefly state why CSLC should support or oppose the bill. CSLC members should feel free to debate whether a requested position be taken as it reflects on our credibility and reputation. The purpose is not to rubber stamp a request, but to add our voice for legislation consistent with our values.
- Members are asked to vote: (a) Do they support the bill? b. Do they oppose the bill? c. Do they prefer CSLC to have no position on the bill? d. Do they abstain? An official position requires a majority of members present who vote that day.
- In special cases, if a committee hearing will take place prior CSLC’s second reading, and if the proposed CSLC vote on a position is noted in advance in our weekly email, then the email notification may substitute for the first reading.
When CSLC members have voted, CSLC may be listed among organizations supporting or opposing the legislation, and our position will be noted in the Executive Committee minutes and on the CSLC website.
Please write one or two paragraphs that state 1) what the bill would do and 2) the primary reasons why CSLC should support or oppose the bill. Fact sheets are welcome.
What the bill will do:
Reasons for support/opposition:
What website or contact person can people contact to learn more about the bill?
A bill previously considered by the members and on which a position has been established by vote of the membership may be reconsidered when significant changes are made to the bill and it is again brought to the attention of the members of CSLC. An announcement and short justification for reconsideration shall be sent by email to the membership during the week prior to reconsideration and a vote taken at a regularly scheduled meeting of the membership.
***A digital copy of the form can be requested from, and the completed form should be emailed to, Chaer Robert, CSLC Legislative Chair of CSLC at crobert@cclponline.org.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 12, 2022- End of Session
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to provide reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer local food purchasing grants and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to participate in a federal direct certification demonstration project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
This bill died. Replaced by HB1414, which refers a measure to the Fall 2022 ballot.
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Governor
Senate Bill 22-138 – Representatives Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola and Senators Alex Valdez and Karen McCormick
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN COLORADO
Colorado used to ban small off-road equipment like lawn mowers, but now the bill includes a number of provisions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. State income tax credit for electric- powered small off-road equipment required. PERA and insurance companies to study climate risks to their investment portfolios. Authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate Class VI injection wells, Requires the Dep of Agriculture to study carbon sequestration. It authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate certain oil and gas sites.
Fiscal Note: As an income tax credit, expected to grow to $9 million by 2023-24
Died as clock ran out.
Senate Bill 22-140 Senators James Coleman (D) and Bob Gardner (R) and Representative Barbara McLachlan (D) and Judy Aimable (D)
EXPANSION OF EXPERIENTIAL LERARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This bill expands and formalizes work- based learning, including assistance to employers and formalization of expectations for WBL. The bill also identifies that two intermediary organizations will reach out to youth and adults who have been historically excluded from work-based learning opportunities through the future of work office in CDLE. The bill would also address digital inequities, including access to technology, skills training , cybersecurity and affordable internet services. And adding a digital navigation program. The bill also creates an 18 month Global Talent Task Force in the Office of New Americans to study the credential process for certain in-demand occupations, look at international credentials, and take advantage of the global pool of skilled workers. The office would also provide tools for English Language learners to enter work-based learning programs to improve language and skills development for specific occupations.
Fiscal Note: $6.1 million in ARPA funds
Governor
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $150,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional I ∙ $1000 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,500 for an Early Childcare Professional III,IV, V, VI.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $13,7000,000 per year.
Governor
House Bill 22-1050 Representative Naquetta Ricks and Senator Janet Buckner (D))
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE INTERGRATE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Establishes the following two programs in CDLE to assist international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to integrate into the state’s health-care workforce:
- The IMG assistance program, the purpose of which is to provide direct services to IMGs, including a review of an IMG’s education, training, and experience to recommend appropriate next steps for integrating IMGs into the state’s health-care workforce; technical support through the credential evaluation process; and scholarships to assist in defraying the medical licensure process; and
- The clinical readiness program, the purpose of which is to provide curriculum for and assessments of IMGs to help them build the skills necessary to enter a medical residency program.
With regard to requirements for licensure under the “Colorado Medical Practice Act”, it reduces the length of postgraduate clinical training that an IMG must complete to qualify for a medical license from up to 3 years to one year; and allows an IMG to obtain a reentry license f the IMG has a current or expired international Medical license and meets Colorado medical board-specified qualifications and requirements.
Fiscal Note Amended to gifts, grants and donations. Implemented if G,G, D total $814,000.
To Governor
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
Governor
House Bill 22-1244 Representative Chris Kennedy and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and
PUBLIC PROTECTIONS FROM TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
Colo has one of the worst systems in the country to identify toxic air toxins. This will create a comprehensive regulatory framework for air toxins by requiring the CDPHE to set health-based standards for each air toxic. Required them to also consider and prevent cumulative impacts of hazardous air pollutants when processing air pollution permits for facilities. CDPHE has strong push back Kennedy, Gonzalez-Guttierez and Gonzales. Every lobbyist/industry is lobbying against this, and they need Coloradans to send in support. There have been many amendments because of the industry opposition.
Fiscal Note: $3.5 million, growing to $5 million general fund
Governor
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill, as amended increases the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) by 10% (e.g., from $508 per month for a family of 3 to $551 per month) and adds a yearly cost of living increase. It directs the State Board of Human Service to design a more gradually phase out of TANF support as one moves from welfare to work to avoid loss of benefits immediately upon getting a job. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5-year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $28 million in 2024-25. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
Senate Third
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state but that offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care costs or services for Colorado residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) specified information and a certification that the information is accurate and complies with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about the operation of the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
- The number of participants in the plan or arrangement.
- The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or other payments that the person retained.
- The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or received.
- The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year.
- The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which the person offers a plan or arrangement.
- A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the person and a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided in promoting or administering the plan or arrangement.
- The person’s reserve balance; and
- Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s officers and directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a person is complete. Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information submitted by persons, post the report on the division of insurance website, and submit the report to specified legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that fails to comply with the requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note: $93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
Governor
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal “No Surprises Act” (act) by:
- Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to request a review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider or facility are subject to an in-network benefit level of coverage.
- Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network provider be applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if the services were provided by an in-network provider.
- Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at the in-network benefit level.
- Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a medical emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met.
- Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act.
- Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to adopt rules concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility cannot charge a balance bill.
- Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the payment of claims for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services surrounding a medical emergency.
- Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment made as a result of arbitration.
- Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties reach an agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator.
- Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage for health-care services from out-of-network providers and facilities.
- Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act.
- Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a provider from 60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause.
- Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are continuing care patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
- Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for health-care services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice requirements and obtains the covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit information to the commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network facilities and the impact on health insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
Governor
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year. —This section was amended out under Governor’s veto threat.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a counteroffer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
-Relocation assistance in event of park closure
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
Governor
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of immigration status; requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
Governor
House Bill 22-1362 – Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez and Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter
BUILDING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
-Health issues – Children with gas powered stoves are more likely to have asthma. Asks city and county building codes to adopt IECC Int’l energy conservation code by 2025 rather than otherwise by 2030. Includes $3 million for code training, $22 mil to support decarbonization of public buildings and with a specific focus on disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal Note: One time $25 million from General Fund to develop code and fund equipment. Ongoing expense is $6 million per year.
Governor
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
May 9, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect
income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property
needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and
the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D”
because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection,
judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and
adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to
06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption;
increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus
payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health
savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse
mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena
Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to
provide reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer
local food purchasing grants and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to
participate in a federal direct certification demonstration project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
Senate Appropriations – Replaced by HB1414
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by
the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes
it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a
sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease
housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Governor
Senate Bill 22-138 – Representatives Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola and Senators Alex Valdez and
Karen McCormick
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN COLORADO
Colorado used to ban small off-road equipment like lawn mowers, but now the bill includes a number
of provisions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. State income tax credit for
electric- powered small off-road equipment required. PERA and insurance companies to study
climate risks to their investment portfolios. Authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate
Class VI injection wells, Requires the Dep of Agriculture to study carbon sequestration. It authorizes
the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate certain oil and gas sites.
Fiscal Note: As an income tax credit, expected to grow to $9 million by 2023-24
Senate Third
Senate Bill 22-140 Senators James Coleman (D) and Bob Gardner (R) and Representative Barbara
McLachlan (D) and Judy Aimable (D)
EXPANSION OF EXPERIENTIAL LERARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This bill expands and formalizes work- based learning, including assistance to employers and
formalization of expectations for WBL. The bill also identifies that two intermediary organizations will
reach out to youth and adults who have been historically excluded from work-based learning
opportunities through the future of work office in CDLE. The bill would also address digital inequities,
including access to technology, skills training , cybersecurity and affordable internet services. And
adding a digital navigation program. The bill also creates an 18 month Global Talent Task Force in
the Office of New Americans to study the credential process for certain in-demand occupations, look
at international credentials, and take advantage of the global pool of skilled workers. The office would
also provide tools for English Language learners to enter work-based learning programs to improve
language and skills development for specific occupations.
Fiscal Note: $6.1 million in ARPA funds
House Third Reading
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice
Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted
gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held
an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible
early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible
program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a
level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit
can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: $500 for an
Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and
$1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by
approximately $13,7000,000 per year.
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1050 Representative Naquetta Ricks and Senator Janet Buckner (D))
INTERMATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE INTERGRATE HEALTH CARE
WORKFORCE
Establishes the following two programs in CDLE to assist international medical graduates (IMGs)
seeking to integrate into the state’s health-care workforce:
The IMG assistance program, the purpose of which is to provide direct services to IMGs, including a review of an IMG’s
education, training, and experience to recommend appropriate next steps for integrating IMGs into the state’s health-care
workforce; technical support through the credential evaluation process; and scholarships to assist in defraying the medical
licensure process; and
The clinical readiness program, the purpose of which is to provide curriculum for and assessments of IMGs to help them build
the skills necessary to enter a medical residency program.
With regard to requirements for licensure under the "Colorado Medical Practice Act" , it
reduces the length of postgraduate clinical training that an IMG must complete to qualify for a medical
license from up to 3 years to one year; and allows an IMG to obtain a reentry license f the IMG has a
current or expired international Medical license and meets Colorado medical board-specified
qualifications and requirements.
Fiscal Note Amended to gifts, grants and donations. Implemented if G,G, D total $814,000.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to
support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement
include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless
services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter
programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the
administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1244 Representative Chris Kennedy and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and
PUBLIC PROTECTIONS FROM TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
Colo has one of the worst systems in the country to identify toxic air toxins. This will create a
comprehensive regulatory framework for air toxins by requiring the CDPHE to set health-based
standards for each air toxic. Required them to also consider and prevent cumulative impacts of
hazardous air pollutants when processing air pollution permits for facilities. CDPHE has strong push
back Kennedy, Gonzalez-Guttierez and Gonzales. Every lobbyist/industry is lobbying against this,
and they need Coloradans to send in support. There have been many amendments because of the
industry opposition.
Fiscal Note: $3.5 million, growing to $5 million general fund
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill, as amended increases the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of
the Federal Poverty Level (e.g., $508 per month for a family of 3) to 31% of FPL and adds a yearly
cost of living increase. It directs the State Board of Human Service to design a more gradually phase
out of TANF support as one moves from welfare to work to avoid loss of benefits immediately upon
getting a job. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work
participation and up to the 5-year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces
sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient
voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $35 million in 2023-24. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid
for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
Senate Third
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state
but that offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care
costs or services for Colorado residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance
(commissioner) specified information and a certification that the information is accurate and complies
with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about the operation of the
plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
The number of participants in the plan or arrangement.
The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or other
payments that the person retained.
The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or received.
The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year.
The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which the person
offers a plan or arrangement.
A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the person and
a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided in promoting or
administering the plan or arrangement.
The person’s reserve balance; and
Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s officers and
directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a
person is complete. Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information
submitted by persons, post the report on the division of insurance website, and submit the report to
specified legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill
and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that fails to comply with the
requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note: $93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
Governor
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every
pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an
abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under
the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception
or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information,
or facilities; and
Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting
during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s
outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and
Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal “No Surprises Act” (act) by:
Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to request a
review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider or facility are subject
to an in-network benefit level of coverage.
Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network provider be
applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if the services were
provided by an in-network provider.
Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at the in-
network benefit level.
Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a medical
emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met.
Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act.
Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to adopt rules
concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility cannot charge a
balance bill.
Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the payment of claims
for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services surrounding a medical emergency.
Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment made as a
result of arbitration.
Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties reach an
agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator.
Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage for health-
care services from out-of-network providers and facilities.
Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act.
Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a provider from
60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause.
Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are continuing care
patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for health-care
services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice requirements and obtains the
covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit
information to the commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network
facilities and the impact on health insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year. —This section was amended out
under Governor’s veto threat.
Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a
counteroffer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with
a local government.
Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints
against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
Concurrence
CSLC
P.O. Box 181032 • Denver, Colorado 80203
cslc.news@gmail.com •
http://www.cslc.org@cslcnews
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator
Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of
immigration status; requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance
coverage through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing
parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1362 – Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez and Senators Chris Hansen
and Faith Winter
BUILDING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
-Health issues – Children with gas powered stoves are more likely to have asthma. Asks city and
county building codes to adopt IECC Int’l energy conservation code by 2025 rather than otherwise by
2030. Includes $3 million for code training, $22 mil to support decarbonization of public buildings and
with a specific focus on disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal Note: One time $25 million from General Fund to develop code and fund equipment. Ongoing expense is $6 million
per year.
Senate Third
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement
on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: http://www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
CSLC Bill Positions
MAY 9. 2022
CSLC Bill Positions
May 9, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to provide reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer local food purchasing grants and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to participate in a federal direct certification demonstration project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
Senate Appropriations – Replaced by HB1414
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Governor
Senate Bill 22-138 – Representatives Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola and Senators Alex Valdez and Karen McCormick
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN COLORADO
Colorado used to ban small off-road equipment like lawn mowers, but now the bill includes a number of provisions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. State income tax credit for electric- powered small off-road equipment required. PERA and insurance companies to study climate risks to their investment portfolios. Authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate Class VI injection wells, Requires the Dep of Agriculture to study carbon sequestration. It authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate certain oil and gas sites.
Fiscal Note: As an income tax credit, expected to grow to $9 million by 2023-24
Senate Third
Senate Bill 22-140 Senators James Coleman (D) and Bob Gardner (R) and Representative Barbara McLachlan (D) and Judy Aimable (D)
EXPANSION OF EXPERIENTIAL LERARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This bill expands and formalizes work- based learning, including assistance to employers and formalization of expectations for WBL. The bill also identifies that two intermediary organizations will reach out to youth and adults who have been historically excluded from work-based learning opportunities through the future of work office in CDLE. The bill would also address digital inequities, including access to technology, skills training , cybersecurity and affordable internet services. And adding a digital navigation program. The bill also creates an 18 month Global Talent Task Force in the Office of New Americans to study the credential process for certain in-demand occupations, look at international credentials, and take advantage of the global pool of skilled workers. The office would also provide tools for English Language learners to enter work-based learning programs to improve language and skills development for specific occupations.
Fiscal Note: $6.1 million in ARPA funds
House Third Reading
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $13,7000,000 per year.
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1050 Representative Naquetta Ricks and Senator Janet Buckner (D))
INTERMATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE INTERGRATE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Establishes the following two programs in CDLE to assist international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to integrate into the state’s health-care workforce:
- The IMG assistance program, the purpose of which is to provide direct services to IMGs, including a review of an IMG’s education, training, and experience to recommend appropriate next steps for integrating IMGs into the state’s health-care workforce; technical support through the credential evaluation process; and scholarships to assist in defraying the medical licensure process; and
- The clinical readiness program, the purpose of which is to provide curriculum for and assessments of IMGs to help them build the skills necessary to enter a medical residency program.
With regard to requirements for licensure under the “Colorado Medical Practice Act” , it reduces the length of postgraduate clinical training that an IMG must complete to qualify for a medical license from up to 3 years to one year; and allows an IMG to obtain a reentry license f the IMG has a current or expired international Medical license and meets Colorado medical board-specified qualifications and requirements.
Fiscal Note Amended to gifts, grants and donations. Implemented if G,G, D total $814,000.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1244 Representative Chris Kennedy and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and
PUBLIC PROTECTIONS FROM TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
Colo has one of the worst systems in the country to identify toxic air toxins. This will create a comprehensive regulatory framework for air toxins by requiring the CDPHE to set health-based standards for each air toxic. Required them to also consider and prevent cumulative impacts of hazardous air pollutants when processing air pollution permits for facilities. CDPHE has strong push back Kennedy, Gonzalez-Guttierez and Gonzales. Every lobbyist/industry is lobbying against this, and they need Coloradans to send in support. There have been many amendments because of the industry opposition.
Fiscal Note: $3.5 million, growing to $5 million general fund
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill, as amended increases the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g., $508 per month for a family of 3) to 31% of FPL and adds a yearly cost of living increase. It directs the State Board of Human Service to design a more gradually phase out of TANF support as one moves from welfare to work to avoid loss of benefits immediately upon getting a job. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5-year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $35 million in 2023-24. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
Senate Third
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state but that offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care costs or services for Colorado residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) specified information and a certification that the information is accurate and complies with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about the operation of the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
- The number of participants in the plan or arrangement.
- The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or other payments that the person retained.
- The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or received.
- The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year.
- The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which the person offers a plan or arrangement.
- A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the person and a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided in promoting or administering the plan or arrangement.
- The person’s reserve balance; and
- Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s officers and directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a person is complete. Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information submitted by persons, post the report on the division of insurance website, and submit the report to specified legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that fails to comply with the requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note: $93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
Governor
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal “No Surprises Act” (act) by:
- Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to request a review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider or facility are subject to an in-network benefit level of coverage.
- Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network provider be applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if the services were provided by an in-network provider.
- Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at the in-network benefit level.
- Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a medical emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met.
- Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act.
- Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to adopt rules concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility cannot charge a balance bill.
- Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the payment of claims for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services surrounding a medical emergency.
- Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment made as a result of arbitration.
- Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties reach an agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator.
- Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage for health-care services from out-of-network providers and facilities.
- Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act.
- Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a provider from 60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause.
- Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are continuing care patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
- Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for health-care services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice requirements and obtains the covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit information to the commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network facilities and the impact on health insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
- Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year. —This section was amended out under Governor’s veto threat.
- Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a counteroffer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
- Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of immigration status; requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1362 – Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez and Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter
BUILDING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
-Health issues – Children with gas powered stoves are more likely to have asthma. Asks city and county building codes to adopt IECC Int’l energy conservation code by 2025 rather than otherwise by 2030. Includes $3 million for code training, $22 mil to support decarbonization of public buildings and with a specific focus on disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal Note: One time $25 million from General Fund to develop code and fund equipment. Ongoing expense is $6 million per year.
Senate Third
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclp
May 2, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $13,7000,000 per year.
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
Concurrence
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill, as amended increases the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g., $508 per month for a family of 3) to 31% of FPL and adds a yearly cost of living increase. It directs the State Board of Human Service to design a more gradually phase out of TANF support as one moves from welfare to work to avoid loss of benefits immediately upon getting a job. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5-year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $35 million in 2023-24. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
Senate Finance
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year. —This section was amended out under Governor’s veto threat.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a counteroffer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
Senate Finance
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
House Second Reading
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state but that offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care costs or services for Colorado residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) specified information and a certification that the information is accurate and complies with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about the operation of the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
- The number of participants in the plan or arrangement.
- The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or other payments that the person retained.
- The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or received.
- The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year.
- The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which the person offers a plan or arrangement.
- A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the person and a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided in promoting or administering the plan or arrangement.
- The person’s reserve balance; and
- Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s officers and directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a person is complete. Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information submitted by persons, post the report on the division of insurance website, and submit the report to specified legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that fails to comply with the requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note: $93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
Senate Business
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal “No Surprises Act” (act) by:
- Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to request a review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider or facility are subject to an in-network benefit level of coverage.
- Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network provider be applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if the services were provided by an in-network provider.
- Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at the in-network benefit level.
- Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a medical emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met.
- Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act.
- Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to adopt rules concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility cannot charge a balance bill.
- Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the payment of claims for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services surrounding a medical emergency.
- Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment made as a result of arbitration.
- Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties reach an agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator.
- Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage for health-care services from out-of-network providers and facilities.
- Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act.
- Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a provider from 60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause.
- Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are continuing care patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
- Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for health-care services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice requirements and obtains the covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit information to the commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network facilities and the impact on health insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of immigration status; requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to provide reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer local food purchasing grants and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to participate in a federal direct certification demonstration project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
Senate Appropriations
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
House Bill 22-1244 Representative Chris Kennedy and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and
PUBLIC PROTECTIONS FROM TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
Colo has one of the worst systems in the country to identify toxic air toxins. This will create a comprehensive regulatory framework for air toxins by requiring the CDPHE to set health-based standards for each air toxic. Required them to also consider and prevent cumulative impacts of hazardous air pollutants when processing air pollution permits for facilities. CDPHE has strong push back Kennedy, Gonzalez-Guttierez and Gonzales. Every lobbyist/industry is lobbying against this, and they need Coloradans to send in support. There have been many amendments because of the industry opposition.
Fiscal Note: $3.5 million, growing to $5 million general fund
House Appropriations
HB22-1362 – Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez and Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter
BUILDING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
-Health issues – Children with gas powered stoves are more likely to have asthma. Asks city and county building codes to adopt IECC Int’l energy conservation code by 2025 rather than otherwise by 2030. Includes $3 million for code training, $22 mil to support decarbonization of public buildings and with a specific focus on disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal Note: One time $25 million from General Fund to develop code and fund equipment. Ongoing expense is $6 million per year.
House Second
SB22-138 – Representatives Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola and Senators Alex Valdez and Karen McCormick
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN COLORADO
Colorado used to ban small off-road equipment like lawn mowers, but now the bill includes a number of provisions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. State income tax credit for electric- powered small off-road equipment required. PERA and insurance companies to study climate risks to their investment portfolios. Authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate Class VI injection wells, Requires the Dep of Agriculture to study carbon sequestration. It authorizes the Dept of Natural Resources to regulate certain oil and gas sites.
Fiscal Note: As an income tax credit, expected to grow to $9 million by 2023-24
House Finance
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
APRIL 25, 2022 voting in SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property
needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have
been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law
Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt
collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-
traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID;
increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds
exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds
exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse
mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice
Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less
than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional
credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible
program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare
home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from
January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include:
$500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V,
and VI;
$750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and
$1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by
approximately $13,7000,000 per year.
Senate Finance
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations
that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to
providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness
prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And
simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
Senate Finance
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty
Level (e.g. $508 per month for a family of 3) to 50% of FPL over 5 years. It allows families to receive help as they
transition to work by not counting new work income for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard
of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It
standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5 year lifetime limit
to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds
outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $35 million in 2023-24. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid
for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year.—This section was amended out
under Governor’s veto threat.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up
with a counter-offer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in
conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints
against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
Senate
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current
law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to
discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to
refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
House Judiciary
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual
has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or
fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse
contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of
benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain
from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the
pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state but that offers or
intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care costs or services for Colorado
residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) specified information and a certification that
the information is accurate and complies with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about
the operation of the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
The number of participants in the plan or arrangement;
The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or
other payments that the person retained;
The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or
received;
The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year;
The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which
the person offers a plan or arrangement;
A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the
person and a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided
in promoting or administering the plan or arrangement;
The person’s reserve balance; and
Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s
officers and directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a person is complete.
Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information submitted by persons, post the report on
the division of insurance website, and submit the report to specified legislative committees. The commissioner is
authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that
fails to comply with the requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note:$93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
Senate Business
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and
Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal "No Surprises Act" (act) by:
Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to
request a review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider
or facility are subject to an in-network benefit level of coverage;
Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network
provider be applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if
the services were provided by an in-network provider;
Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at
the in-network benefit level;
Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a
medical emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met;
Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act;
Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to
adopt rules concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility
cannot charge a balance bill;
Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the
payment of claims for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services
surrounding a medical emergency;
Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment
made as a result of arbitration;
Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties
reach an agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator;
Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage
for health-care services from out-of-network providers and facilities;
Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act;
Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a
provider from 60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause;
Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are
continuing care patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for
health-care services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice
requirements and obtains the covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit information to the
commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network facilities and the impact on health
insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
House Health Second
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator
Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of immigration status;
requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance
Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
Senate Health and Human Services
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena
Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to provide
reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer local food purchasing grants
and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to participate in a federal direct certification demonstration
project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
Senate Appropriations
CSLC
P.O. Box 181032 • Denver, Colorado 80203
cslc.news@gmail.com • http://www.cslc.org
@cslcnews
April 18, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $508 per month for a family of 3) to 50% of FPL over 5 years. It allows families to receive help as they transition to work by not counting new work income for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5 year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As amended: About $35 million in 2023-24. 2022 -2024 uses federal ARPA money. After that, the bill is paid for using 1/3 TANF funds; 1/3 General Fund and 1/3 Unclaimed Property Funds.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a counter-offer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note: As amended $116,293/ yr. in cash funds
House Appropriations
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment. The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Signed into Law
House Bill 22-1269 Representatives Susan Lontine and Senator Chris Hansen
HEALTH CARE SHARING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
The bill requires any person that is not authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state but that offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment of or to cover health-care costs or services for Colorado residents to annually submit to the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) specified information and a certification that the information is accurate and complies with the requirements of the bill. The submission must include information about the operation of the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year, including:
- The number of participants in the plan or arrangement;
- The total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected from participants and the percentage of fees, dues, or other payments that the person retained;
- The total amount of payments made to providers or to reimburse participants for health-care services provided or received;
- The estimated number of participants the person anticipates in the next calendar year;
- The counties in which the person offers or intends to offer a plan or arrangement and any other states in which the person offers a plan or arrangement;
- A list of third parties associated with, or offering or enrolling participants in a plan or arrangement on behalf of, the person and a detailed accounting of commissions or other remuneration paid to a third party for services provided in promoting or administering the plan or arrangement;
- The person’s reserve balance; and
- Contact information for an individual serving as the person’s contact person in this state, a list of the person’s officers and directors, and the person’s organizational chart.
Within 45 days after receipt, the commissioner is to determine whether a submission by a person is complete. Each year, the commissioner is to compile a report summarizing the information submitted by persons, post the report on the division of insurance website, and submit the report to specified legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to implement the bill and to issue an emergency cease-and-desist order against a person that fails to comply with the requirements of the bill.
Fiscal Note:$93,084 in 2022-23; $68,000 in 2023-24
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1284 Representatives Daneya Esgar and Marc Catlin and Senators Bob Gardner and Brittany Petersen
HEALTH INSURANCE SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
The bill changes current state law to align with the federal “No Surprises Act” (act) by:
- Allowing a covered person who requests an independent external review of a health-care coverage decision to request a review to determine if the services that were provided or may be provided by an out-of-network provider or facility are subject to an in-network benefit level of coverage;
- Requiring that payments made for health-care services provided at an in-network facility or by an out-of-network provider be applied to the covered person’s in-network deductible and any out-of-pocket maximum amounts as if the services were provided by an in-network provider;
- Requiring that emergency health-care services, regardless of the facility at which they are provided, be covered at the in-network benefit level;
- Requiring each health insurance carrier (carrier) to cover post-stabilization services to stabilize a patient after a medical emergency at the in-network benefit level unless specific criteria are met;
- Requiring carriers to develop disclosures to provide to covered persons that comply with the act;
- Requiring the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) and certain regulators of health-care occupations to adopt rules concerning disclosure requirements, including a list of ancillary services for which a provider or facility cannot charge a balance bill;
- Requiring the commissioner to convene a work group to facilitate and streamline the implementation of the payment of claims for services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility and for services surrounding a medical emergency;
- Prohibiting a carrier from recalculating a covered person’s cost-sharing amount based on an additional payment made as a result of arbitration;
- Requiring the parties to an arbitration over health-care coverage to split the costs of the arbitrator if the parties reach an agreement before the final decision of the arbitrator;
- Allowing administrators of self-funded health benefit plans to elect to be subject to state law concerning coverage for health-care services from out-of-network providers and facilities;
- Authorizing the commissioner to promulgate rules to implement the requirements of the act;
- Changing the amount of time that a managed care plan must allow a person to continue to receive care from a provider from 60 to 90 days after the date an in-network provider is terminated from a plan without cause;
- Implementing specific requirements for health-care coverage and services for covered persons who are continuing care patients of a provider or facility whose contract with the patient’s health insurer is terminated; and
- Allowing an out-of-network provider and an out-of-network facility to charge a covered person a balance bill for health-care services other than ancillary services if the out-of-network provider complies with specific notice requirements and obtains the covered person’s signed consent.
The bill changes from January 1 to March 1 the date by which a carrier is required to submit information to the commissioner concerning the use of out-of-network providers and out-of-network facilities and the impact on health insurance premiums for consumers.
Fiscal Note: $280,127 one-time funds
House Health Insurance
House Bill 22-1289 Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Julie McCluskie and Senator Dominck Moreno
COVER ALL COLORADANS
The bill expands Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant people and children, regardless of immigration status; requires the Insurance Commissioner to improve the quality of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise; and extends a survey of birthing parents indefinitely, among other requirements
Fiscal Note: About $17 million per year
House Health Insurance
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT- VOTE April 18
Senate Bill 22-087 Senators Brittany Petersen and Rhonda Fieldss and Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Dafna Michaelson Jenet
HEALTHY MEALS FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The bill creates the Healthy School Meals for All program in the Colorado Department of Education to provide reimbursement to school food authorities for offering free meals to all students, and to offer local food purchasing grants and increase employee wages. It also requires that CDE apply to participate in a federal direct certification demonstration project.
Fiscal note: $491,172 in 2022-2023; $294,401 in 2023-24; 2024-2025 $60- $90 million
Senate Appropriations
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
CSLC Bill Positions
March 28, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note:No fiscal impact
Governor’s
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $508 per month for a family of 3) to 50% of FPL over 5 years. It allows families to receive help as they transition to work by not counting new work income for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5 year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: As introduced: $42 million in 2023-24. When fully implemented in 2027-$140 million in general funds.
House Public and Behavioral health and Human Services Committee
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Edie Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that has gone up for sale to come up with a counter-offer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note:As introduced $400,000 / yr in cash funds
House Transportation and Local Government
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey and Robert Rodriguez
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment.The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 22-1279 Representatives Meg Froelich and Daneya Esgar and Senator Julie Gonzales
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
Governor’s
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
March 18, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note:No fiscal impact
House Second
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $508 per month for a family of 3) to 50% of FPL over 5 years. It allows families to receive help as they transition to work by not counting new work income for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5 year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: Not yet available
House Public and Behavioral health and Human Services Committee
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Adrew Boesenecker and Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that haas gone up for sale to come up with a counter-offer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Fasttracks process for emergency issues. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note:TBD
House Transportation and Local Government
Senate Bill 22-099 Representatives Dennis Hisey (R) and Robert Rodriguez (D)
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Automates the process for sealing criminal records for those records that are eligible for sealing by the court under current law, for crimes not subject to the Victims’ Rights Amendment.The bill makes it an unfair employment practice to discharge or to refuse to hire a person based on contents of a sealed record and makes it an unfair housing practice to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing based on the contents of a sealed criminal record.
Fiscal Note: $896,228 in 2022-23; $8,085,702 in 2023-24; $1,271,562 in 2024-25
Senate Appropriations
EXPEDITED REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
Referred from Executive Committee
House Bill 22-099 Representatives Meg Froelich (D) and Daneya Esgar (D) and Senator Julie Gonzales (D)
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT
The bill declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state.
The bill prohibits state and local public entities from:
- Denying, restricting, interfering with, or discriminating against an individual’s fundamental right to use or refuse contraception or to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion in the regulation or provision of benefits, services, information, or facilities; and
- Depriving, through prosecution, punishment, or other means, an individual of the individual’s right to act or refrain from acting during the individual’s own pregnancy based on the potential, actual, or perceived impact on the pregnancy, the pregnancy’s outcomes, or on the pregnant individual’s health.
Fiscal Note: None
House Floor
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
March 14, 2022
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note:No fiscal impact
House Judiciary
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONS TO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works (TANF) from 28%of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $508 per month for a family of 3) to 50% of FPL over 5 years. It allows families to receive help as they transition to work by not counting new work income for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and up to the 5 year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal note: Not yet available
House Public and Behavioral health and Human Services Committee
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
House Bill 22-1287 Representatives Adrew Boesenecker and Hooton and Senator Faith Winter
PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
This bill adds protection for residents of Mobile Home Parks in three basic areas:
-Lot rent stabilization- parameters for how much lot rents can increase year over year.
-Opportunity to purchase- lengthens timelines for residents of a mobile home park that haas gone up for sale to come up with a counter-offer. Expands ability for residents to assign their right to purchase their mobile home park working in conjunction with a local government.
-Strengthen and clarify the Alternative Dispute Resolution process in Department of Local Affairs for resident complaints against park owners. Fasttracks process for emergency issues. Adds some ability to enforce provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act.
Fiscal Note:TBD
House Transportation and Local Government
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
February 28, 2022
Date Location Action; 02/23/2022: House: Introduced In House – Assigned to Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services
|
SUPPORT
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – Up for vote February 28
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates a bank account exemption which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note: No fiscal impact
Senate Finance
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – Up for vote March 7
House Bill 22-1259 Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dominick Moreno
MODIFICATIONSTO COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
The bill phases in an increase in the monthly grant for families in Colorado Works ( TANF) from 28% of the federal poverty level- (e.g.$508/mon for a family of 3), to 50% of FPL over five years. It allows families to receive help as they transition to work by not counting new work income again their eligibility for the first 6 months, then phasing in a step down of partial disregard of work income for a period after that. This would eliminate the “cliff effect”- sudden loss of aid upon employment. It standardizes across the state the criteria for exemption to mandatory work participation and to the 5 year lifetime limit to the degree allowed by federal law. It reduces sanctions for violating program rules like missing meetings. It adds outreach efforts and recipient voice, including exit interviews, to the program.
Fiscal Note: Not yet available
House Public Benefits and Health Committee
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
February 14, 2022
SUPPORT
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Appropriations Committee
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: About $200,000 expenditure. Reduces state revenue by about $8 million when fully implemented.
House Appropriations
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – Up for vote February 28
Senate Bill 22-086 Senators Faith Winter and Representative Matt Grey
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION
Current Colorado consumer protection laws are relatively weak; while they are intended to protect income and property needed to meet basic needs – such as housing, cars, tools and other property needed to work, current protections have been outpaced by home and vehicle values, inflation and the rising cost of living. Recently, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) rated Colorado a “D” because of how few resources we exempt from extraordinary collections from debt collection, judgments, garnishment and in Bankruptcy. The bill increases the CO Homestead Exemption and adds non-traditional housing; reinstates bank account exemption up to $5,000 which was in effect in 2/2020 to 06/01/2021 due to COVID; increases vehicle exemption; increases disability benefit exemption; increases farm equipment/livestock exemption; adds exemption for future economic stimulus payments; adds firearm/hunting equipment exemption [up to $1,000]; adds exemption for health savings accounts; add exemption for funds reserved for taxes & insurance on some reverse mortgages; keeps exemptions on unemployment & child support even if funds commingled.
Fiscal note:
Senate Finance
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
January 30, 2022
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT- Up for Vote
House Bill 22-1010 Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber and Senators Janice Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INCOME TAX CREDIT
The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators who have an adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 for a single return or $85,000 for a joint return, has held an early childhood professional credential for at least six months, and is the licensee of an eligible early childcare program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months. An eligible program is an early childhood education program or licensed family childcare home that has held a level two Colorado Shines quality rating and has a fiscal agreement with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or meets the federal standards for a Head Start Program. The credit can be claimed from January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2027. Credit amounts include: ∙ $500 for an Early Childcare Professional I, IV, V, and VI; ∙ $750 for an Early Childcare Professional II; and ∙ $1,000 for an Early Childcare Professional III.
Fiscal Note: $185,674 in 2022-23, $110,200 in 2023-24. When implemented, the tax credit will reduce state revenues by approximately $8,000,000 per year.
House Education Committee
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – First Reading
House Bill 22-1083 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Janice Rich and Senator Faith Winter
COLORADO HOMELESS CONTRIBUTION INCOME TAX CREDIT
This bill upgrades and enhances the current enterprise zone contribution tax credit that is used to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Benefits of this improvement include: • Making the credit available to providers statewide; • Expanding the types of homeless services that are eligible to include street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter programs; • Incentivizing donations to providers in rural and distressed areas; • And simplifying the administration of the credit.
Fiscal note: TBD
House Finance
For questions, or more information contact CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert crobert@cclponline.org . CSLC members seeking a bill endorsement on an already introduced bill, please submit bill position request form available on our website: www.cslc.org or by emailing crobert@cclponline.org
Requests for CSLC to Support or Oppose legislation during the 2021 session:
Members of CSLC who wish to present bills for consideration should complete the form below and e-mail it our CSLC Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert (Crobert@cclponline.org)
Requests will be presented to CSLC membership at the next Monday program meeting and will be voted on the following week (giving members one week’s notice to consider the bill).
CSLC Bill Positions
CSLC Bill Positions
June 14,2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$430,000
Govenor
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: $19,385 in 2021-22; $29,456 in 2022-23.
Governor
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $843,567 in 2021-2; $515,479 in 2022-23
Governor
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: Fee funded – $4.5 Million/yr
Postponed Indefinitely
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: $262,508 in 2021-22; $63,275 in 2022-23
Governor
Senate Bill 21-200 Senators Faith Winter and Dominick Moreno and Representative Dominique Jackson
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASSES; INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
This bill directs the Air Quality Control Commission in CDPHE to promulgate rules related to the greenhouse gas emission reductions spelled out in House Bill 12-1261. The bill also creates a position of Environmental Justice Ombudsman within CDPHE to advocate for and be a liaison to disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal note: $4.4 million general fund in 2021-2022, switching to $4 million/yr in fee funding.
Killed, but some provisions incorporated into HB1266.
Senate Bill 21-246 Senator Steve Fenberg
ELECTRIC UTILITY PROMOTE BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
This bill requires investor- owned electric utilities to file beneficial electrification plans with the PUC.This is defined as converting a customer’s fuel source from non-electrical to high efficiency electrical. It targets 20% of program expenditure io low-income households or disproportionately affect communities.
Fiscal Note: $358,973 in 2021-22; $795,427 in 2022-23
Governor
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
SIGNED INTO LAW
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Governor
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Governor
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: Currently grant funded for another year. Also transfers federal Refugee Services dollars from CDHS to CDLE.
Governor
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
Governor
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
Governor
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $1.5 million in 2021-22; $1.9 million in 2022-23- primarily cash funded
Governor
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
Postpone Indefinitely
CSLC Bill Positions
May 17, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In House Business
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
House Health Insurance
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: Fee funded – $4.5 Million/yr
Postponed Indefinitely
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: $178,627 in 2021-22; $63,275 in 2022-23
Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-200 Senators Faith Winter and Dominick Moreno and Representative Dominique Jackson
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASSES; INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
This bill directs the Air Quality Control Commission in CDPHE to promulgate rules related to the greenhouse gas emission reductions spelled out in House Bill 12-1261. The bill also creates a position of Environmental Justice Ombudsman within CDPHE to advocate for and be a liaison to disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal note: $4.4 million general fund in 2021-2022, switching to $4 million/yr in fee funding.
Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-246 Senator Steve Fenberg
ELECTRIC UTILITY PROMOTE BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
This bill requires investor- owned electric utilities to file beneficial electrification plans with the PUC.This is defined as converting a customer’s fuel source from non-electrical to high efficiency electrical. It targets 20% of program expenditure io low-income households or disproportionately affect communities.
Fiscal Note: $212,081 in 2021-22; $705,799 in 2022-23
House Energy
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
SIGNED INTO LAW
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Governor
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Second
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: Currently grant funded for another year. Also transfers federal Refugee Services dollars from CDHS to CDLE.
Senate Finance
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
Senate Judiciary
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
Senate Health and Human Services
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $866,684 in 2021-22; $790,424 in 2022-23
Senate Health and Human Services
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
Postpone Indefinitely
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May 3, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In House Business
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: Fee funded – $4.5 Million/yr
Postponed Indefinitely
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: $178,627 in 2021-22; $63,275 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-200 Senators Faith Winter and Dominick Moreno and Representative Dominique Jackson
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASSES; INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
This bill directs the Air Quality Control Commission in CDPHE to promulgate rules related to the greenhouse gas emission reductions spelled out in House Bill 12-1261. The bill also creates a position of Environmental Justice Ombudsman within CDPHE to advocate for and be a liaison to disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal note: $4.4 million general fund in 2021-2022, switching to $4 million/yr in fee funding.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-246 Senator Steve Fenberg
ELECTRIC UTILITY PROMOTE BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
This bill requires investor- owned electric utilities to file beneficial electrification plans with the PUC.This is defined as converting a customer’s fuel source from non-electrical to high efficiency electrical. It targets 20% of program expenditure io low-income households or disproportionately affect communities.
Fiscal Note: $212,081 in 2021-22; $705,799 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
SIGNED INTO LAW
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate Third
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: Currently grant funded for another year. Also transfers federal Refugee Services dollars from CDHS to CDLE.
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Approps
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $866,684 in 2021-22; $790,424 in 2022-23
House Appropriations
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
April 5, 2021
CSLC Bill Positions
April 5, 2021
SUPPORT SB 21-071
Reducing the number of detained youth accords with current juvenile
crime statistics and will not endanger Colorado communities
INCARCERATE FEWER KIDS
Juvenile Crime is Decreasing
Juvenile crime has been decreasing since 2016.
o Before COVID, juvenile arrests were steadily dropping – decreasing by 8% between
2018 and 2019 and 10% between 2017 and 2018. COVID caused a much bigger
decrease (52%).
o Juvenile filings for non-violent arrests saw similarly steep declines during COVID
(Trespass and mischief: 34.4%; Drug crimes: 50%; Other non-violent crimes: 29.2%).
COVID-19 had a much more limited impact on filings for juvenile violent crime.
o Juvenile filings for violent crimes were declining before COVID, 6% between 2018 and
2019. Between 2019 and 2020, charges against kids for violent crimes dropped by just
8%.
o The decrease in arrests during COVID-19 has thus been largely in arrests for non-
violent crimes, suggesting that law enforcement is releasing or issuing summons to kids
who are not involved in violence. Continuing this trend is good for kids and communities.
What if there is an increase in juvenile violent crime?
The average population of detained children has been 145-161 since June 2020. Looking at
the high estimate, Colorado currently has about 160 kids detained at a time.
If juvenile violent crime returned to 2018 levels, the highest rate in five years, it would increase
by approximately 14%. Still, only 182 beds would be required, well below 200.
Even if juvenile violent crime increased by 25% today, more than twice any change occurring
between 2016 and 2019 (excluding the exceptional disruption caused by COVID-19), no more
than 200 beds would be required.
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate Finance
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Governor
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Senate
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House State Affairs
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Approps
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $866,684 in 2021-22; $790,424 in 2022-23
House Health Insurance Committee
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
CSLC Bill Positions
March 30, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and
Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give
renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease
clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira
Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most
unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US
unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Senate Third
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie
Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to
regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
House Second
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic
stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House State Affairs
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings
in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Judiciary Committee
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for
public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment
plan first.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders.
The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the
same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average
premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up
the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would
be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (Vote on April 5)
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna
Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
CSLC
P.O. Box 181032 • Denver, Colorado 80203
cslc.news@gmail.com • http://www.cslc.org @cslcnews
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation
providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate Finance
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya
Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate State Affairs
CSLC Bill Positions
P.O. Box 181032 • Denver, Colorado 80203
cslc.news@gmail.com • http://www.cslc.org @cslcnews
March 22, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
House Third Reading
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: TBD
House Health Insurance
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (Vote on March 29)
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House State Affairs
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Judiciary Committee
CSLC Bill Positions
As of March 22, 2021
REQUEST FOR EXPEDITED SUPPORT (Vote on March 22)
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Click here for fact sheet on PDAB
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
Click here for fact sheet on Colorado Option
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
CSLC Bill Positions
March 30, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and
Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give
renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease
clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira
Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most
unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US
unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Senate Third
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie
Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to
regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
House Second
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic
stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House State Affairs
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings
in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Judiciary Committee
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for
public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment
plan first.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders.
The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the
same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average
premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up
the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would
be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Health Insurance Committee
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (Vote on April 5)
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna
Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
CSLC
P.O. Box 181032 • Denver, Colorado 80203
cslc.news@gmail.com • http://www.cslc.org @cslcnews
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation
providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate Finance
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya
Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate State Affairs
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (Vote on March 29)
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House State Affairs
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: TBD
House Judiciary Committee
CURRENTLY SUPPORTING
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Appropriations
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
House Third Reading
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: TBD
House Health Insurance
CSLC Bill Positions
March 12, 2021
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: TBD
In Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
House Second Reading
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: $28,148 in 2021-22; $21,707 in 2022-23
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
REQUEST FOR OPPOSITION
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
Prohibit Discrimination COVID-19 Vaccine Status
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.